5 Tips On How To Write Dual Timeline Stories

My most controversial story is this paranormal romance trilogy about vampire hunters. Readers are divided. They either like or dislike the dual timelines. Hence, I thought it’ll be a good idea to explore more about dual timeline fiction books.

As a writer, I really enjoyed writing this book because it’s a new challenge to me where I have to create two compelling storylines. Thus, if you’re up for a challenge, here are some tips, recommendations and my personal experience of writing dual timeline books 😊

What Is A Dual Timeline Book?

As its name suggests, a dual timeline novel weaves two stories into one satisfying read. This can be done through several time periods and perspectives.

For example, a character who is living through the events and another character in a different time who is somehow connected to those events. Or it could be one character but showing his past and present. This results in an intricate and integral backstory as the story switches between present day and a time period back in the character’s past.

Because you’re essentially crafting two closely connected stories in one novel, it increases the difficulty because you need to ensure that both stories are engaging. But more importantly, you need to show the similarities, differences and how the two stories influence or connect to each other.

Bear in mind that you’re fundamentally straying from the typical path of a single chronological storyline and therefore, you’re risking confusion and frustration in readers. But this also comes with greater benefits where you weave a deeper plot, more resonant theme and better character development.

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1. Ensure Both Timelines Are Equally Engaging

One of the greatest pitfalls of a dual timeline novel is that one of the plots is more interesting than the other. In this case, readers might skim or worse, skip the boring narrative to read the more interesting narrative. As mentioned, readers are reading two stories simultaneously and they are only be able to connect the two stories in the final chapters.

Both timelines must be equally compelling and exciting so that readers will not feel frustrated when they’re pulled from one timeline into another.

What makes the narrative engaging will depend on your genre and readers. For example, action is crucial in my paranormal romance story because my protagonist is a vampire huntress. Thus, I try my best to sprinkle fighting scenes in both the past and present timelines. But there are slight differences: the past focuses on the characters learning to fight while the present showcases the prowess and growth of their fighting abilities. Romance is another key element where the past reveals how the protagonists fall in love while the present demonstrates the absolute trust between them. Thus, you’ll need to figure out the elements that make your story interesting and ensure both timelines have these.

Another bonus tip: Consider ending on a cliffhanger to keep readers on edge.

Okay, I feel bad but I’m a writer who enjoys torturing my readers 🤣 Cliffhanger endings are my way of making things exciting. This way, readers will look forward to the next switch when we return to this timeline~

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2. Juggle The Plot Points

Since there are two narratives in a dual timeline novel, you need to ensure that each timeline has its own plot points to keep the story moving forward. It might be tricky but try your best to juggle both sets of plot points to happen at the appropriate moments in the book.

Take for instance the three-act structure where there’s a setup, confrontation and resolution. Both timelines should have an inciting incident at the beginning, a rising action in the middle and a climax at the end.

Wikipedia

3. Balance The Timelines

There are many ways to balance the timelines. You could do a 50/50 split with equal lengths for both narratives. This is what I did in the first book of the trilogy where I alternated the timeline every chapter. This logical and consistent pattern will accustom readers to the switch.

But you can also choose to emphasize one timeline over the other. For instance, in the second book of the trilogy, I created a pattern of 2 chapters in the present and 1 chapter in the past then I keep repeating this throughout the book.

The key here is to be consistent. Don’t delve too long in one timeline that readers forget the other one.

Also, don’t fall into the temptation of padding the less interesting timeline with filler scenes in order to balance the narratives. Every scene in both timelines should move the plot forward.

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4. Clearly Transition Between The Two Timelines

Do ensure that your transitions aren’t confusing. Instead, they should be clear. Your readers should be able to tell which timeline the chapter is within the first few pages or even paragraphs.

There are many solutions to achieve this

• Separate the two timelines by chapter: Create a new chapter whenever you’re switching timelines.
• Name the section by time or year: I would recommend specific chapter titles. But if you include both timelines in the same chapter, just ensure that you name the sections clearly.
• Specify narrating characters or any other important information at the beginning of each switch: If your timelines are narrated by two different characters, specify immediately who’s narrating at the start. If the two timelines happen in different eras, consider highlighting something that belongs in that era right at the start.

Orient your readers as soon as possible. Don’t throw them off balance and leave them wondering which timeline they’re reading now. Confusing transitions will annoy them and cause them to be unable to experience the joy of reading your novel.

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5. Tie Both Timelines Together In The End

If one of your timelines influences the other, you need to show how they connect or come together in the end. Note that you have to weave these two narratives into one satisfying read by the end.

As you get closer to the end, it should become clearer to the readers how the earlier timeline affects the later timeline. For the last book in my trilogy, the last second chapter is the climax of the past timeline and the last chapter is the climax of the present timeline. Likewise, you could do something similar.

Also, do ensure that you tied up all loose ends and resolved both storylines. All sub-plots should be completed. All elements that you’ve introduced throughout the story, whether in the past or present, should be resolved too.

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Now It’s Your Turn

In summary, dual timelines are quite complex. But if you’re certain that a dual timeline is necessary for your story or if you’re up for a challenge, I encourage you to take the leap and have fun writing! It can make your book fun to read just as a single timeline story.

Also, I think these tips are still useful whether you’re writing two timelines or multiple timelines.

Feel free to share your experience, tips or strategies about writing dual or multiple timeline books~